Acts 20 3

Acts 20:3 kjv

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

Acts 20:3 nkjv

and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Acts 20:3 niv

where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.

Acts 20:3 esv

There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.

Acts 20:3 nlt

where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 3 Meaning

Acts 20:3 details a pivotal moment during the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, specifically after his stay in Greece (likely Corinth). It states that after spending three months in the region, Paul intended to travel by sea to Syria. However, due to a conspiracy initiated by some Jews against his life, he altered his plans and resolved to return overland through Macedonia instead, demonstrating both prudence in the face of danger and a consistent pattern of facing opposition during his ministry.

Acts 20 3 Context

Acts 20:3 occurs at a critical juncture in Paul's third missionary journey, after his extensive and impactful ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) and subsequent travels through Macedonia (Acts 20:1-2) into Greece (Acts 20:2). Paul had spent a significant period establishing and strengthening churches, facing continuous opposition, especially from Jewish communities resistant to the Gospel. His intention was to return to Jerusalem with the collection gathered from the Gentile churches for the impoverished believers there, symbolizing unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians (Rom 15:25-27, 1 Cor 16:1-4). This verse highlights the persistent and dangerous animosity he faced, necessitating a change in his meticulously planned travel itinerary. The historical backdrop is one of intense religious and political tension within the Roman Empire, where the Jewish Sanhedrin still held considerable influence and zealously protected what they saw as the integrity of their faith, often perceiving Paul's mission as a direct threat.

Acts 20 3 Word analysis

• And (καὶ - kai): Connects the previous action (his three-month stay in Greece) with the subsequent events. It functions as a simple conjunction, moving the narrative forward.
• he spent (ἔμεινεν - emeinen): From μένω (menō), meaning "to remain, abide, stay." It denotes a settled residence or prolonged dwelling rather than a fleeting visit, indicating a period of purposeful ministry and consolidation of the churches.
• three months (μῆνας τρεῖς - mēnas treis): A specific duration, long enough to conduct substantial teaching, evangelism, and community building, likely in Corinth (implied from earlier movements to Achaia/Greece).
• when he was about to sail (μέλλοντι ἀνάγεσθαι - mellonti anagesthai): Mellonti (about to) indicates immediate intention or readiness. Anagesthai (to set sail, put out to sea) signifies his firm plan to take the sea route. The Greek verb for "sail" can also be used in military contexts for moving troops, highlighting the definitive nature of Paul's intention.
• for (εἰς - eis): Preposition indicating direction, "to" or "towards."
• Syria (Συρίαν - Syrian): The Roman province that included Antioch, a significant base for Paul's missionary work, and from which he could easily travel to Jerusalem. The sea route was the direct and common way to get there.
• the Jews (τῶν Ἰουδαίων - tōn Ioudaiōn): Here specifically referring to those who rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were actively hostile towards Paul's message and ministry. It points to a particular religious and ethnic group distinct from believing Jews.
• plotted against him (ἐπιβουλῆς - epiboulēs): From ἐπιβουλή (epiboulē), meaning "a plot, conspiracy, ambush, treacherous design, murderous intention." This is not merely an objection or verbal opposition, but a deliberate and malicious scheme, potentially lethal, involving secretive or deceptive planning to harm or kill. This term has been used earlier in Acts (Acts 9:24, Acts 23:30) for attempts on Paul's life.
• he decided (ἐγένετο γνώμης - egeneto gnōmēs): Implies a firm resolve or choice. Gnōmē refers to purpose, judgment, or resolution. This decision reflects a calculated response to danger, an exercise of prudence and perhaps divine guidance.
• to return (ὑποστρέφειν - hypostrephein): To turn back, go back, indicating a reversal of his intended path.
• through (διὰ - dia): Preposition indicating the path taken, "through" or "by way of."
• Macedonia (Μακεδονίας - Makedonias): The Roman province north of Greece, implying an overland journey. This detour would be longer but safer given the plot.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "he spent three months": This phrase underlines the extended and dedicated ministry Paul conducted in the region, signifying a period of intensive evangelism, discipleship, and organization within the Greek churches, possibly consolidating the work in Corinth before moving on. It suggests the establishment of firm foundations.
• "when he was about to sail for Syria": This expresses a pre-planned and definite travel strategy. Sailing was the fastest and most direct route back to the heart of his missionary base (Antioch) and then to Jerusalem. The specific intent reveals meticulous planning for his mission and the delivery of the collection.
• "the Jews plotted against him": This is a recurring motif in Acts and Paul's epistles. "The Jews" here consistently refer to those who adamantly rejected the Gospel and actively sought to suppress Paul's ministry, even resorting to violence. The word "plotted" emphasizes the treachery and malicious intent, distinguishing it from open debate or opposition, signaling a direct threat to his life and mission. This was a pattern Paul faced in virtually every city he ministered, testifying to the intense opposition provoked by the message of Christ.
• "he decided to return through Macedonia": This change of plan showcases Paul's prudence, adaptability, and spiritual discernment. Rather than pressing ahead with the planned sea voyage, which was now compromised by the conspiracy, he chose a longer but safer overland route. This decision also reflects divine protection; the Holy Spirit often guided Paul's itinerary, sometimes by redirecting his original plans to avoid danger or for a greater purpose. It prevented what could have been a fatal ambush at sea.

Acts 20 3 Bonus section

The Jewish plot against Paul, necessitating a change in his travel plans, is indirectly connected to the purpose of his entire journey back to Jerusalem: to deliver the collection for the poor saints there. If Paul had perished at sea due to the plot, not only would his life and ministry have ended, but this vital mission of unity and support, symbolized by the collection from the Gentile churches for the Jewish believers, would also have been jeopardized. His re-route through Macedonia, although delaying his arrival, ensured the safety of Paul and potentially those accompanying him, thus allowing this crucial act of solidarity between different segments of the early Christian community to proceed. The continuous threat from some Jews, even in Hellenistic cities like those in Greece, highlights the sharp divide within first-century Judaism concerning the identity of Jesus as Messiah and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God without full conversion to Judaism.

Acts 20 3 Commentary

Acts 20:3 encapsulates the perennial dangers Paul faced, illustrating his unwavering commitment to his mission despite constant life threats. His "three months" in Greece provided crucial time for establishing the churches, highlighting the slow, patient work of discipleship alongside rapid evangelism. The planned sea voyage to Syria was a logical step towards Jerusalem for delivering the collection, but the "plot" by "the Jews" underscores the deep-seated hostility against the Gospel, a theme prevalent throughout Acts. This was not a mere disagreement but a targeted, murderous conspiracy, likely leveraging the travel logistics to ambush him. Paul's decision to pivot and return via Macedonia demonstrates his wisdom, drawing on spiritual discernment rather than recklessness. It reveals an understanding that God protects His servants, sometimes by guiding them to alter their plans. This re-routing was an act of practical faith and prudence, not fear, enabling him to continue his work safely. The narrative subtly shows God's sovereign hand, redirecting Paul's path from immediate danger to further strengthen the churches in Macedonia before heading towards Jerusalem for his inevitable, greater trial.